DALTON’s high street could get a new business if planners give the go-ahead next week.

The empty Poole Townsend Estate Agents building at 66 Market Street is being lined up as a new beauty and tanning salon.

The plans have been lodged by applicant Paul Griffiths, represented by planning agent Malcolm Jones, with four full-time jobs expected.

Barrow council’s planning committee will make at a decision at its meeting at the town hall on Tuesday.

Planning officer Barry Jesson has recommended that councillors give the application the go-ahead.

Officers said the proposal would complement Dalton town centre and result in a “much improved” shop front.

It would help the “traditional character” of the town centre and “enhance” the conservation area, officer’s found.

Several people living in nearby flats were asked for their opinion.

Of two replies to the council – one was neutral and the other objected.

Dalton with Newton town council had no objections.

A report said the planned midweek opening hours exceeded that of a typical retail unit by being from 9am-8pm Monday to Friday.

The plan is for it to open between 10am-6pm on Saturdays, and between 11am and 4pm on Sundays, but only between May and September.

Officers said the opening hours should contribute to “footfall” and trips to other shops and services in Dalton.

Its planned use as a beauty and tanning salon would not harm residents living nearby, council officers found.

At the same meeting, plans to make the Market Street constituency office for Barrow, Dalton, Ulverston and Furness Conservatives will also be decided.

The unit has been used as an office temporarily since the summer of 2017.

The new application for a change of use seeks to make the arrangement permanent.

Dalton with Newton Council said in response to the plans: “The town council regrets the loss of another retail premises in the town centre and would prefer it to stay as retail.

“The current sign which has been installed is not in keeping with the area and the town council would request that the applicant be requested to replace the sign with something of a more appropriate design.”

Planners have suggested the application be agreed with two conditions.